From the Editor: Those
of us who go back a few years know Dick Edlund as one of the most colorful and
hardest-working Federation leaders ever to grace the organization. He has been
retired from national leadership for more than a decade now, and many people
have joined the Federation family during these years. These folks may not have
done more than hear Dick's name. The following report by Don Morris of Maryland
will bring a smile to the faces of those who know Dick and should pique the
interest of those who have not yet met him. This is what Don says:

For thirty-five years I've
been waiting for Dick Edlund to get old. Based on his vitality and good health,
which he demonstrated at his eightieth birthday party, I guess I will just have
to keep waiting. More than one hundred well-wishers (Federationists, friends,
family, and neighbors) gathered at the Delaware Lodge Masonic Hall in Kansas
City, Kansas, to share memories and good wishes with Dick on Saturday, December
4, 2004.

Born
December 5, 1924, Dick can boast a Federation career that spans five decades.
He was long-time president and mentor of the Kansas Federation of the Blind,
which he helped organize. Following the pattern established for state affiliates,
this organization became the NFB of Kansas. Dick joined the NFB board of directors
as NFB treasurer in 1974 and served until 1988. He returned to the board for
two terms, beginning in 1992.

During
his many years as owner and proprietor of Edlund's Hardware, Dick could be found
behind the counter or, just as likely, on top of a ladder, or measuring and
cutting custom glass for his customers.

Dick
has also owned his own airplanes and an airport to go with them. He owned and
managed a consignment auction barn at which he alleges to have sold the very
hatchet with which George Washington cut down the cherry tree. Dick said the
hatchet was so old that it had had four new heads and eleven new handles. The
auction barn was as much entertainment as ongoing garage sale. Upon his retirement
Dick decided to take it easy by running for and winning a seat in the Kansas
legislature. Representative Edlund defeated an incumbent opponent by a vote
margin of three to two. In his next two elections Dick ran unopposed. He served
in the Kansas House of Representatives with distinction. He chaired many committees
and was the successful sponsor of the Kansas Braille bill. Dick's oversight
of services for the blind in Kansas helped to bring about many necessary and
positive changes.

Several
of the well-wishers at Dick's surprise birthday party were legislative colleagues.
Among the many congratulatory and laudatory letters and cards Dick received,
two of the most heartwarming were letters from Governor Kathleen Sebelius, whose
note follows this article, and NFB President Marc Maurer. Here is the text of
President Maurer's letter:

November 17, 2004

Dear Dick:

It
is a great joy for me to wish you a happy birthday on your eightieth. We have
traveled many miles together, and we have fought side by side on many battlefronts.
We looked the director of the Utah workshop right in the eye, and we went together
to pound on the governor's desk. We have given NAC a piece of our mind, and
we have used up a lot of shoe leather in the process. We have shared stories
and felt together the awe that the Federation can bring.

We
have shared joy and sorrow; we have encountered the bitter wind on the picket
line; we have endured the heat of a Washington summer. Through it all we have
found strength and commitment in each other, and I am proud to call you a colleague
and a friend. You have been a member of this movement for more than three decades,
and my life and the lives of many others have been enriched by your presence
and your heart. I look forward to the decades to come, and I wish you the happiest
of birthdays.

With love and affection,Marc Maurer, PresidentNational Federation
of the Blind

Dick
Edlund and Pila Mahoney cut a giant birthday cake.

Dick and his well-wishers
enjoyed a sumptuous dinner. And of course the meal was topped off with a huge
birthday cake. The only down side was that the fire department would not permit
us to light all those candles. Thanking all who attended and who had sent cards
and letters, Dick extended an open invitation to join him at his ninetieth birthday.

To
further the celebration of his birthday, the next day Dick and Pila (Mahoney)
flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to tour and to enjoy a visit with Pila's sister.
Congratulations, Dick, and best wishes for your next decade.

Here is the text of the
note from the governor of Kansas. She and Dick were in the legislature together.
This is what she says:

November
16, 2004

Dear
Dick,

Happy
eightieth birthday, Dick.

It
is my honor and pleasure as Governor of the State of Kansas to send you warm
congratulations on this, your eightieth birthday. I send you best wishes for
a day filled with joy.

I
join your family and friends in wishing you a happy birthday, and many more
happy years to come.

Sincerely,

Kathleen
Sebelius, Governor of the State of Kansas

[Handwritten note] I enjoyed
our time in the House together. You are a great Kansan, and I hope you live
for another eighty years.